YELLOW warnings for “thundersnow” have put East Renfrewshire’s gritting teams on high alert.

A crew of 30 road workers driving nine grit lorries are standing by as the Met Office issues warning for heavy snow between from today until Friday for the area.

Heavy snow is predicted to fall from tonight through into Thursday morning, with some predictions for more snow throughout Thursday and into Friday.

The wintry showers may be accompanied by thunder and lightning.

More than 4,500 tonnes of salt and 500 tonnes of grit has been stockpiled and is available to hit the roads and footpaths of the area.

The team will also keep topping up the 319 street bins and 17 larger community bins located across the area to help residents help themselves.

The gritting priorities include: main “A” roads, access to fire stations, bus routes to schools, main bus routes, and routes to local employment areas.

Councillor Tony Buchanan, East Renfrewshire convener for infrastructure and sustainable growth, said: “During winter weather our priority has to be to ensure main roads and bus routes are clear and safe access to fire stations.”